IVWall - America Chavezhttp://www.ivwall.net/taxonomy/term/158
enREVIEW: America #3- "Welcome to the Danger Room"http://www.ivwall.net/blog/review-america-3-welcome-danger-room
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/157" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">America</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/158" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">America Chavez</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/160" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Gabby Rivera</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/marvel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Marvel</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/comics" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Comics</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/112" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Reviews</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.ivwall.net/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20Cover%20Feature.jpg" width="1838" height="1149" alt="" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.ivwall.net/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20America%20and%20Storm.jpg" width="3975" height="1436" alt="" /></div><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.ivwall.net/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20America%20Culture.jpg" width="1812" height="652" alt="" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.ivwall.net/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20Cover.jpg" width="1988" height="3056" alt="" /></div><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.ivwall.net/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20Storms%20Oasis.jpg" width="1944" height="808" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20Cover%20Feature.jpg" alt="" width="1838" height="1149" class="picuploaded" /><br /><strong><em>AMERICA #3</em> | Writer: Gabby Rivera | Penciller: Joe Quinones and Stacey Lee | Jose Villarrubia with Jordon Gibson | Letterer: Travis Lanham | Release Date 5/10/17 | Price: $3.99</strong> <a href="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20Cover.jpg" rel="lightbox"><img src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20Cover.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="" style="float: right; padding-left: 5px;" class="picuploaded" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The final test (for me) concerning this new America series has finally come. With great cynicism, I must say that <em>America #3</em> has passed… more or less with a “C” average, so far. If you remember my <a href="http://www.ivwall.net/blog/review-america-2-plan">review of <em>America #2</em></a> I was not happy with the writing in the series. I was happy but cautious with <a href="http://www.ivwall.net/blog/review-america-1"><em>America #1</em></a> but #2 nearly made me drop the series then and there. With #3, I have hope again. In this issue, we get a far more coherent story that seems to have learned how to balance the characters and plot progression far more seamlessly. It’s almost as if though Gabby recognized her errors in the second issue and moved quickly to correct them. While I never disrespected her as a writer, I am now starting to see where some of her merit comes from.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>America #3</em> dives deep into Chavez’s Latina culture with flashbacks to her childhood that feel very real. Unlike some of the forced quips and jokes in the last issue, this comic seems to find a natural, and powerful way of giving us a slice of the person that Chavez is and how she came to be that. As I’m reading I can hear her voice. I can hear her accent. The captioned narration is beautiful and I appreciate Gabby doing a wonderful job of portraying her so well in these instances. Remember, Chavez is actually from the parallel, but when she came to earth, she learned what it meant to be a brown girl who looked like other Latinas.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20America%20Culture.jpg" alt="" width="1812" height="652" class="picuploaded" /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The writing here is also much better because we get a very clear picture of what her goal is here. It lends a hand to the previous issue as well. In fact, if someone bought all three of these at the same time and powered through issue #2, then the problems might not be as well noticed, which is a good thing in the grand scheme of things. It feels no more like a setback, and less like a complete blunder. In this issue, America needs to save her (ex?) girlfriend, Lisa, but based on her conversations with Peggy, she understands that she can’t just barrel in with her fists like she does usually. She needs a plan.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This comic is definitely different from others, offering a unique stylistic voice. And this issue grants us more fun, eccentric creativity. This whimsical fun was present in the others as well, but here, it meshes better with the story, to some extent. It’s still somewhat odd that random beings are giving her wise mentorship but, I’m beginning to think that there’s an unknown method to this madness. Things are starting to make sense, especially when we get a glimpse into the ancestral plane. In this case, she’s learning a thing or two from an alternate universe, 80’s Storm. Given that her main power is to travel through time and dimensions, the book sets up for limitless possibilities when it comes to the people she runs into.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20America%20and%20Storm.jpg" alt="" width="3975" height="1436" class="picuploaded" /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One thing that I must commend Gabby on in this issue (and the others as well) is an idyllic inspirational voice. I feel empowered reading it. In <em>America #3</em>, Ororo’s dialogue and America’s captions illuminates a positive narrative behind the story. The moral spine behind this book comes from a deep place of love and compassion, and I appreciate Gabby for expressing that. This kind of meaning helps drive a story forward, so long as the plot is sound. Right now, I think things are beginning to come together, but there are still a few storytelling kinks to work out.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The art in America is gorgeous. America is always dressed in the most creative and sunning outfits, and I’m always impressed with her style. Her expressions, tones, and attitude are so well portrayed. When you couple that with the unique flat color palette, it creates a look and tone unique to her book. Style wise, all the characters are fun to look at. From unique clothing to sci-fi-esque hair, it’s all beautiful. I think this works well for her solo series.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%233%20Review%20Storms%20Oasis.jpg" alt="" width="1944" height="808" class="picuploaded" /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The America series is still going to need to do some work. I think America’s characterization is much better portrayed in this issue, but I also think we are going to need more coherent story telling. I think I see where Gabby is going, but I think it needs to be more clear while she takes us there. I was seriously considering dropping this series with how bad <em>America #2</em> was, but with this, I’ve been invigorated with a new hope. I want this series to succeed. I really, really do. Here’s to moving forward with cautious optimism. </p>
<div class="rating">3.0</div>
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<h2>Sceritz</h2>
<div id="Authorpic"><img src="/sites/all/themes/ivwall/images/johniv.jpg" /></div>
<p>Sceritz is John B. Robinson IV and John B. Robinson IV is a cosmic blerd with a passion for a obliterating the the IVth Wall and setting free the hordes of geek and fandoms scattered throughout the multiverse in the form of rants of epic proportions. Creator of IVWall.net.</p>
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<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div></div></div>Sun, 14 May 2017 22:22:56 +0000Sceritz102 at http://www.ivwall.netREVIEW: America #2- "A Plan?"http://www.ivwall.net/blog/review-america-2-plan
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/158" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">America Chavez</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/159" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Miss America</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/160" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Gabby Rivera</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/161" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Joe Quinones</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/marvel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Marvel</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog-tags/comics" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Comics</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/112" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Reviews</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.ivwall.net/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%232%20Review%20Cover.jpg" width="1988" height="1296" alt="" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.ivwall.net/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%232%20Review%20Mamas.jpg" width="1820" height="628" alt="" /></div><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.ivwall.net/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%232%20Review%20America%20Fans.jpg" width="1800" height="768" alt="" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.ivwall.net/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%232%20Review%20Lunella%20the%20Truth.jpg" width="968" height="668" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="America #2 Review" class="picuploaded" src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%232%20Review%20Cover.jpg" /><br /><strong><em>AMERICA #2</em></strong><strong> | Writer: Gabby Rivera | Penciler: Joe Quinones | Colorist: Jose Villarrubia | Letterer: Travis Lanham | Release Date: April 5, 2017 | Price: $3.99</strong></p>
<p>Last month <em>America #1</em> hit the stands. It was definitely the most anticipated new Marvel book for me and I was beyond excited to pick it up. The issue read generally well if not a little choppy, though at the end we got some really strange spontaneity that didn't pace well, resulting in America punching Hitler. It was badly executed but forgivable for the obvious attempt to make that reference (to <em>Captain America #1</em> in 1939). This month I cautiously turned to the first page of America #2 with bated breath. I was right to be apprehensive. This issue is immensely disappointing and it doesn't bode well for the future of this run. </p>
<p>The first mistake was leaving America in the past for so long. The Hitler punch while forced, was fun, but that's all it was, and should have been. Instead, we got a prolonged venture of America making sassy (and hardly funny) jokes with Peggy Carter and Agent Goodhair (which I'm sure was another exaggerated joke). This lasts for 6 pages before she returns to the regular world, and what's more? It's almost impossible to grasp what's happening. There isn't really a story there, or if there is, it's so veiled by vague references to "a plan" and excessive play on America's comedic charisma that we don't see it. </p>
<p><img alt="America #2 Review" class="picuploaded" src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%232%20Review%20Mamas.jpg" /></p>
<p><em>America #2</em> is full of random, choppy scenes that aren't really driving the story forward. The basic storytelling elements aren't really there, and we don't have the time to dive into her inner thoughts. The pacing on a per page basis is so erratic that it feels like it was paper mache'd together. The best three pages were with Lunella (Moon Girl) teaching the college students, only because that concept was cool, but even her character's voice seemed lacking. And the scene still didn't do much of anything but put America and X'andria together on a class assignment. </p>
<p>The little conflict there is, is badly placed and doesn't give us a sense of raised stakes, which also leaves us not really caring. She and the Leelumutlipass sorority fight random cyborgs, but at the end of the day, it's Lunella, not America, that defeats them. And still yet again, there is another seemingly random conflict involving girls that seem to look up to America as idols. While I can admire purposefully ironic jokes, and funny, even silly threats, a story still has to hold an ounce or two of cohesion and <em>America #2</em> has none of that. I have absolutely no idea what actually happened or where the story is planning to go. I can guess that there's "a plan" in place, based on Professor Douglas and the mysterious woman's one page conversation, but that's been established so vaguely it's difficult for that to warrant a desire to read on.</p>
<p>Atop of all that, America's character seems forced. In <em>America #1</em> it didn't feel that way, but now, there are far too many obvious "tries" for the writer to say "This is what America is like!" and it doesn't feel natural. In <em>The Ultimates</em> it does, but here it's worthy of eye-rolling. The jokes are too plentiful and stale the sass is fine, but so heavy it feels fictitious, and the dialogue looks like it came straight from a person searching urban dictionary. Maybe it's meant to be that ironic, but it comes off less appealing in text, to me.</p>
<p><img alt="America #2 Review" class="picuploaded" src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%232%20Review%20Lunella%20the%20Truth.jpg" /></p>
<p>I do appreciate the inspirational quotes throughout, especially those that lead the book out. I also enjoy the eccentricity of characters like X'andria and the Leelumultipass Phi Theta Betas, but these elements, while fun, don't create a coherent story. That's what we are lacking here. We have no idea where we are going with this, and while Gabby might, we she doesn't elude to it very well, or in an engaging way.</p>
<p>Okay, now let me talk about something less negative. This cover is to friggin' <em>die </em>for, which makes it all the more frustrating that the issue is so lacking. I'm already putting it in my number 1 for the year slot. If there is one thing they do get down for America, it's her fashion. All through her book she has a very distinct style, fitting her personality, and on this cover she'd put Beyonce to shame if she were standing next to her. The art in this issue fits the character very well, from color scheme to facial expression. It's all America. Sadly, as great as this is, it does not speak to what's inside the issue.</p>
<p>When I saw America was getting her own book, I was ecstatic. She's the coolest woman in current running books, a woman of color, and queer, written by a team representative of her ethnic background. That's amazing. It really is. Unfortunately, if you don't just put someone on a book because of their heritage You also have to make sure they are good writers and they have a good direction to take the book in. I'm not labeling Gabby Rivera a horrible writer, but I am saying that what she's doing with America's story is not working. Something drastic has to happen or this book will fail. I'm highly disappointed in this writing, and also the editors that let this go. Certainly someone had to notice that this was going to work?</p>
<p><img alt="America #2 Review" class="picuploaded" src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America%20%232%20Review%20America%20Fans.jpg" /></p>
<p>In any case, I will support this for one more issue and pray that something changes. If not, I refuse to continue to perpetuate bad stories written about great characters. I unfortunately give this issue a 2 out of 5.</p>
<div class="rating">2.0</div>
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</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-author-block field-type-text-long field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div id="Author">
<h2>Sceritz</h2>
<div id="Authorpic"><img src="/sites/all/themes/ivwall/images/johniv.jpg" /></div>
<p>Sceritz is John B. Robinson IV and John B. Robinson IV is a cosmic blerd with a passion for a obliterating the the IVth Wall and setting free the hordes of geek and fandoms scattered throughout the multiverse in the form of rants of epic proportions. Creator of IVWall.net.</p>
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<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div></div></div>Thu, 06 Apr 2017 15:39:36 +0000Sceritz86 at http://www.ivwall.netReview: America #1http://www.ivwall.net/blog/review-america-1
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/157" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">America</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/158" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">America Chavez</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/159" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Miss America</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/marvel" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Marvel</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog-tags/comics" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Comics</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/blog/diversity" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Diversity</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/blog/poc" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">PoC</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/taxonomy/term/160" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Gabby Rivera</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/taxonomy/term/161" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Joe Quinones</a></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/America1cover.jpg" width="" height="" alt="" class="picuploaded" /><br /><i>This Review will contain light spoilers of America #1</i></p>
<p>America #1 is finally here, and it is great! I don't even know how to cover all the things that are right about this book. America Chavez of the Young Avengers, first appearing back in 2011, now has her own ongoing run, and so far, I'm really digging it! Gabby Rivera and Joe Quinones know how to the set the tone for a book, and #1 eases so well into her character that it's hard to tell that this <i>is</i> a number one. Based on her other appearances for avid readers, we already know the character, and it feels like just another issue of any comic she's appeared in, only with an astute focus on her. For new readers, you're going to quickly get a feel for her, because these creators know how to encapsulate her very well!</p>
<p>America is a super-strong, queer brown girl with the ability to create extra-dimensional portals with powers imbued by the demiurge. She's a daughter of two moms, was raised in the Utopian Parallel universe, and she's <i>awesome</i>. Her personality is so bold you can taste it. You can feel the attitude. You can bathe in the latina vibes pouring from her aura. You get the tough, the passionate while emotionally abstract, the sarcastic, the charismatic, all rolled into Chavez's character. She's young and experienced, but still isn't so contemptuous to think she knows everything, so she enrolls in school. </p>
<p><img src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/americasgotyou.jpg" width="" height="" alt="" class="picuploaded" /></p>
<p>While we still get a dosage of her "too cool" superheroinism (as she quite literally punches a being out of existence), we also get a good look at her personal life. Her struggles aren't with super stuff. It's with normal life- things like her girlfriend and her education. We glimpse her relationship, her friends, and we follow her on this new journey to Sotomayer University, which is something like a super powered college if I'm not completely mistaken. The school itself is something else to speak on entirely. I'm quite sure it is the only home to "Leelumulitpass Phi Theta Betas." I think we'll be seeing more of them later. In any case, Prodigy's (David Alleyne) appearances coupled with being assigned her first project that sends her through a portal that lands her face to face with Hitler is certainly something to be excited for. </p>
<p><img src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/AmericapunchesHitler.jpg" width="" height="" alt="" class="picuploaded" /></p>
<p>Lastly, I can't get over this art. America's facial expressions are on par with perfection. Her smiles, her grimaces, her spicy attitude- You don't see characterization like this every day! And with simple yet expressive colors, the whole picture comes together seamlessly to create the feel for Chavez's world. The plot and story hasn't gone too deep yet, but I'm elated to see Chavez characterized so well! If you haven't guessed I'm a sucker for character focus, people, and Chavez is an easily likable character. </p>
<p><img src="/sites/ivwall.localhost/files/americabest.jpg" width="" height="" alt="" class="picuploaded" /></p>
<p>I highly recommend picking up this book and listing it. Issue #1 is pure fun, and sets the stage for a series where quite literally, anything can happen. Do yourself the favor, today.</p>
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<h2>Sceritz</h2>
<div id="Authorpic"><img src="/sites/all/themes/ivwall/images/johniv.jpg" /></div>
<p>Sceritz is John B. Robinson IV and John B. Robinson IV is a cosmic blerd with a passion for a obliterating the the IVth Wall and setting free the hordes of geek and fandoms scattered throughout the multiverse in the form of rants of epic proportions. Creator of IVWall.net.</p>
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<script async="" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div></div></div></div>Wed, 01 Mar 2017 22:01:58 +0000Sceritz72 at http://www.ivwall.net